The annual Taste of Hood Canal, a tradition of nine years, will bring food, hot rods and music to downtown Belfair on Saturday, Aug. 13. The event includes art and craft vendors, informational displays from nonprofits, live music, beer and wine tasting, and more — all benefitting projects undertaken by North Mason Rotary Club.

A rare attraction this year will be chainsaw carvers working on several pieces on the spot. George Kenny of George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving will be one of four carvers demonstrating their art. The carvings, along with other pieces they bring along, will be auctioned off in the afternoon.

"We're going to make whatever we can do, and try to outdo each other," Kenny said.

He estimates as many as 30 carvings to be auctioned, some starting as low as $10. He will also serve as an auctioneer. Some of the proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club.

This is the second time Kenny has organized a carving show at the Taste — a similar show and auction took place a few years ago. But the carvers are well-known for these demonstrations all around the West Coast, as they travel regularly to various events.

Another Kenny will be in the spotlight this year: George's brother, Frank. Frank Kenny, the former president and CEO of North Mason Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the event's emcee. Following his countrywide tour to speak about social media, Kenny now lives in Longview but still maintains ties with the area and visits family frequently.

Food vendors will serve everything from clam chowder and fresh fruit crepes to hotdogs and ice cream. One traditional food vendor will not be present: Harry's Famous Oysters will not be sold this year by the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, which instead will staff a booth with members and provide information about local businesses and activities.

"We thought we could make a greater impact and follow our mission by disseminating information," said President and CEO Mark Costa.

Oyster lovers can still get their fix of Harry's Famous Oysters (named for beloved local icon, the late Harry Martin) at Oyster Fest in the fall. But those looking for something new to try at the Taste will instead find what the Rotarians themselves are raving about — lumpia they will sell at their own booth.

Rotarian Margie Kaiser has volunteered herself and her sister, Lucy Horton, to make lumpia, a traditional Pilipino food usually only served at parties and special occasions. The two Belfair women plan to make 1,500 of them — quite a feat considering rolling lumpia is a labor-intensive job.

"They're small and very thin. It's a lot more work than the typical eggroll," she said.

Kaiser has been making lumpia for family and friends for 30-some years and fellow Rotarians have tasted them before.

"They're all excited and are hoping for leftovers," she said.

The festival doesn't start until 10 a.m. but those looking for an early start can head over to the Mason County Fire District 2 headquarters down the road. Firefighters will start serving their annual pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., with pancakes, sausages and eggs on the menu along with juice and coffee.

A shuttle will run from the station to the festival in the morning, and throughout the day from Sandhill Elementary School for easier parking.

The Taste of Hood Canal car show is expected to bring 100-plus classic cars and hotrods. In sunny weather, it attracts as many as 150 cars on display. Some car owners travel from as far as Sacramento to show off their beauties.

Several auto businesses including Les Schwab and Local Wrench sponsor trophies in five categories. Judges are both industry pros and Rotary members, and the public can vote for the People's Choice award.

The show is free to view and anyone who wants to show off a car is asked for a $15 donation, which benefits the club and its projects. There are no actual limitations on the eras of the vehicles.

"Somebody could bring a 2010 Dodge Charger they've tricked out and want to show off, and we'd accept that," said Fred Barrett, the newly elected Rotary president who has been coordinating the car show for years.

The car show has a social media twist this year. Those who tweet about being at the Taste of Hood Canal car show can present their Twitter post to one of the car show vendors (located in the grassy area to the side of the main festival site) and receive a small prize. Names will also be entered into a "Twitter raffle" drawing for a bigger prize.

In addition to a beer and wine garden for adults and some kids' activities, three bands will play throughout the day. The lineup includes The Woodies, based in Tacoma. Known for their performances at festivals such as the Taste of Seattle and Bumbershoot, The Woodies started out as the house band at the popular Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor and have since played classic rock cover tunes all over Puget Sound.

"They are a great band; I'm really excited about it," said Anne Whitman, who is chairing the entertainment and vendor committee.

While celebrating all things Hood Canal, the Taste is also the North Mason Rotary's biggest fundraiser. The club supports various community projects, both locally and internationally. Admission to the event is free.